Networking Tips for the Shy Job Seeker

I was asked recently to comment on networking tips for the shy job seeker so I decided to share my thoughts with you. I had the opportunity to speak to several local job seeking type organizations in Fresno, CA. What I hear the most when talking with them is seekers hesitate to get out of their comfort zone. I challenge them with the question, “Do you want comfort or a job?”

My first tip for the shy job seeker

Create a description of their “Ideal” employer so that when they get out of their comfort zone and into a networking situation, they can quickly share their “Ideal” employer story with another. I encourage them to go to as many networking events, groups, and organizations as possible and share who they are, why they are there, and what they want to find. Of course, this takes a bit of time to prepare, practice, and deliver.

My best tip for the shy job seeker

Prepare a few killer questions to ask another when meeting them for the first time so that the other person does all the talking. All the shy job seeker has to do is ask the next question.

Here are the top five questions I think they should ask because it will give the job seeker an insight into whom else they may know.

Top 5 Questions

What company are you with?

How long have you been in your current position?

Who do you serve (Ideal Client)?

Do you know of any job openings in the (insert job seekers ideal position) industry?

Is there anyone here that you could introduce me to who might know of any job openings in the (insert job seekers ideal position) industry?

In general, people like helping people, and business people seem to know where the jobs are. If you have a friend that is currently looking for work – please feel free to share this article.

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